PM VISHWAKARMA SCHEME

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Centre on September 17, has received over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months, data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) show.

EXPLANATION:

• The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, initiated by the Centre, aims to support artisans and craftspeople by providing skill-upgradation training.
• Launched on September 17, the scheme garnered a significant response, receiving over 21 lakh applications within a span of two and a half months.

Application Statistics and Regional Participation

• Regional Distribution:
  • Karnataka led with 6.28 lakh applications, followed by West Bengal (4.04 lakh), Assam (1.83 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (1.53 lakh), and Andhra Pradesh (1.21 lakh).
  • Conversely, 15 states including Haryana, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northeastern states have fewer than 10,000 applications each.
• Top Trades:
  • Tailors accounted for 43% (9.13 lakh) of the applications, followed by masons (4.72 lakh), carpenters (1.86 lakh), and contributions from basket-makers, barbers, and armourers.

FEATURES OF THE SCHEME:

• The scheme will be fully funded by the central government.
• Under the scheme, beneficiaries will also be provided Rs 15,000 each as toolkit incentives through e-vouchers or e-RUPI.
• It will be a purpose-specific voucher issued by banks on behalf of the central government. This means the voucher can be utilized only for the purpose of purchase of toolkits.
• The minimum age of the beneficiary should be 18 years on the date of registration.
• The name of the scheme is kept in honour of the divine builder and craftsman lord Vishwakarma. The PM Vishwakarma scheme is a central sector scheme.
• The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) will handle the scheme.
• It would be open to traditional artists and crafters from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

Objectives and Framework of the Scheme

• Skill Development:
  • The scheme provides formal training to modernize traditional skills amid evolving economic landscapes.
  • It encompasses 18 trades and crafts, offering financial assistance and avenues for market linkage.
• Vetting Process:
  • Applications are undergoing vetting at village, district, and state levels to ensure scrutiny and credibility.
• Training and Stipends:
  • Successful candidates will undergo basic training for 5-7 days and advanced training for 15 days, receiving a stipend of ₹500 per day.
  • Training includes exposure to modern tools, technologies, design elements, and digital and financial skills.

Implementation and Future Targets

• Training Programs:
  • The Ministry conducted a five-day training program for 41 master trainers across ten states.
  • These trainers will educate candidates in various trades.
• Master Trainer’s Perspective:
  • Master trainers are focusing on masonry and are upgrading local skills by incorporating modern techniques like ‘cross line laser level’ for levelling and aligning floors, ensuring knowledge transfer during training sessions.
• Incentives and Financial Support:
  • Upon completion of training, artisans will receive a tool kit incentive of ₹15,000 for purchasing modern tools and collateral-free loans at a lower interest rate (around 8%) up to ₹1 lakh, with an additional ₹2 lakh for establishing their businesses.

Importance of Digital and Financial Skills

• Enhancing Financial Literacy:
  • The scheme aims to improve digital and financial skills among traditional artisans to ensure proper income tracking, aligning with the country’s economic growth goals.
• The Vishwakarma Scheme stands as a comprehensive effort to empower artisans and craftspeople by bridging the gap between traditional skills and modern demands while facilitating their economic progress.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2115-lakh-applications-received-under-pm-vishwakarma-scheme-says-skill-ministry/article67624765.ece